High Cheese

The Phillies have released righthander Aaron Cook, who was eligible for a $100,000 bonus if he accepted an assignment to the minor leagues. Assistant general manager Scott Proefrock said the Phillies decided on their own to release Cook rather than pay him the bonus.

Cook, a veteran sinkerballer who has struggled the last couple of season, posted a 3.38 ERA in six spring outings. As usual, his strikeout numbers were low (five in 18 2/3 innings, against four walks).

Cook did not have an obvious spot on the big league roster. His departure leaves the Phillies without a veteran starter at Triple-A. The move would seem to indicate that promising lefty Adam Morgan will start the season at Triple-A along with righties Jonathan Pettibone and perhaps Ethan Martin. Righthander Tyler Cloyd is on the 40-man roster and started a handful of games last season and provides added depth.

"I think we feel pretty good about the depth that we have," said Proefrock, who added that the club was stretching out reliever B.J. Rosenberg to join the Triple-A rotation.